Does your nutritional status affect mortality? Yes, especially for these two nutrients. Scientists based their query on the n the hypothesis that magnesium -- either alone or by its interactions with vitamin D -- influences vitamin D status. Vitamin D has previously been shown to decrease the risk of certain diseases, particularly heart disease and colon Could magnesium affect mortality, too? The scientists looked at U.S. population studies data and came up with a pretty definitive answer for you.

 Using data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001 to 2006 and the NHANES III, both population based studies, the scientists reviewed serum 25(OH)D levels (vitamin D3) and dietary or supplemental magnesium intake. What they found was a direct relationship between the two nutrients and mortality risk.

Specifically, magnesium intake "above the median" made the most difference in lowering mortality risk and the "preliminary findings indicate it is possible that magnesium intake alone or its interaction with vitamin D intake" may be the reason.  Source: Deng et al BMC Med 8/13

The take away message? Vitamin D levels show an influence mortality, especially with heart disease and certain cancers. So check your D3 status (a simple blood test) to find out if you are at risk. If you find your D3 is low, supplement. But don't forget to check your red blood cell (RBC) magnesium levels too, because of magnesium's influence on D3. An optimal RBC magnesium level is good news as this mineral is able to improve a vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency.

You can read more on these two nutrients in The Vitamin D Dilemma, RBC Magnesium Testing and The Dirt on Magnesium Deficiency.  For TyH products, we offer a variety of Vitamin D strengths (1000 IU, 2000 IU & 5000 IU) and organic magnesium in Fibro-Care™ capsules and Fibro-Care™ tablets.

 ©TyH Publications (M. Squires). For informational purposes only.